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Wednesday, October 2, 2013

How Deep Is That Rabbit Hole?: Mercury Retrograde and the Solar Eclipse In Scorpio

Mercury
Retrograde In Scorpio: October 21—Nov 10, 2013

Hybrid Solar
Eclipse In Scorpio: November 3, 2013

Mercury
entered Scorpio on Sept 29th, where it will stay until Dec 4th
due to its final retrograde cycle of the year. That’s nine weeks in Scorpio. With a Solar Eclipse on Nov 3rd (conjunct Saturn) in the sign
of Scorpio; we get a heavy dose of depth, intensity and transformation this
fall. Back in April of this year, a lunar eclipse conjoined Saturn in Scorpio;
so we’re already familiar with this terrain. The difference is that Mercury’s
retrograde cycle will occur alongside this weighty hybrid solar eclipse of the
Sun.

A solar
eclipse begins a powerful process of change and brings about an overwhelming
sense of renewal. And in this case, occurring in Scorpio, that meaning is
amplified. Scorpio is the sign of the zodiac that completely embodies the word
transformation and all that we associate with it.

Letting go,
releasing, dying, emptying, shedding, and rising from the ashes—these are all keywords
inherent to Scorpio and its modern planetary ruler Pluto. And these qualities
often accompany an eclipse of all kinds, because eclipses signify moments of
deep inner personal change and transmutation. During eclipse season the
personal self becomes porous and translucent. Our identity is a bit like putty;
we have an opportunity to change or shape it into alternate forms. These are also
moments of tremendous growth, but only if we so choose. They can just as well
pass with the current they arrived upon—to become like a faint memory of some
uncertain or seemingly precarious moment.

With the
exception of this year when we experienced three eclipses this past spring,
eclipses generally occur in pairs twice a year. Not too rare, but their
interest lies in the peculiar ambience they generate and the impactful force of
their presence within our own psyche.

During
eclipse season, we may find ourselves more uncertain of who we are, and most of
all, where we’re going. Eclipses are opportunities to adjust our course ahead;
we get a chance to significantly alter the timeline we currently travel. That’s
exciting and equally terrifying. The eclipse has the power to reveal just how
much of an impact our choices and decisions have on our lives. It is a portal
of transformation, and whether we participate or not, we come out the other end
a slightly different person. With Scorpio, we can double the significance of
that statement.

Saturn’s
involvement brings a sense of seriousness and challenge. And Scorpio, as a
fixed sign, suggests that this is likely to be a highly demanding eclipse
passageway. The only way to work with it is to do your homework and show up on
time. This is no time for slacking off, putting things aside, evading
responsibilities, or sweeping unsettling realities under the rug. Mercury
retrograde reveals that this is a time for making critical adjustments within very deep chambers. Failing to do so
could be detrimental, and I’m tempted to say, that in specific cases, even life
threatening.

So Mercury’s
retrograde cycle in Scorpio, alongside this rather intense solar eclipse, seems
to ask the question: How deep does that rabbit hole really go? This has
tremendous personal and collective meaning. Just how deep? Well, ultimately, we
may never know completely. The true workings of the universe are shrouded in secrecy,
and possibly for good reason from an evolutionary standpoint. Most of the time,
we’re quite contented with superficial explanations; they get us through the
day; they keep us sane and productive.

Other times,
like we’re experiencing now, we’re likely to have a little more curiosity than
usual. But as the saying goes: curiosity killed the cat. Consider it a warning.
There are secrets that humankind was never meant to know. Secrets that could
destroy the feebler minded. Unless you’re well equipped with strong planets in
Scorpio or the eighth house; be careful where you tread, and how deep you go down
that abysmal rabbit hole—and actually, even if you meet the above criteria, be
careful anyway; it might actually get you into even more trouble!

However, if
you approach this passage with maturity, discipline and focus—you will reap the
valuable rewards and revealing insights it offers-- all in due (and lengthy)
time (it is Saturn we’re dealing with
here). A critical and sharp focus and an eye for miniscule details will be
required. This retrograde cycle brings about a hyperaware state of
consciousness, maybe a little paranoia, and an introspective gaze and focus. Saturn’s
involvement lends well to a process of reflection and a bout of solitary
confinement. So, unlike many retrograde cycles, this one isn’t much of a break
or vacation; there’s important work do be done.

The sign of
Scorpio symbolizes our raw and primal instinctual urges. They keep us alive in
more ways than one. When we encounter danger, it is the Scorpionic influx that
gives us that “funny feeling” that something isn’t right; that feeling like,
“maybe I shouldn’t turn down this street”, or “I just don’t feel right about
this”. Mars, the traditional ruler of Scorpio, infuses Scorpio with an inherent
fight-or- flight reaction, even a sense of premonition.

Scorpio also
symbolizes that instinctual drive that contributes to the boon of
overpopulation. All of us who made our way past puberty are well familiar with
its seductive allure. There’s no denying its power and influence, with its
arsenal of hormones and chemical release. Healthy and balanced sexual
expression is a potent psychic force. Unfortunately, modern western culture
completely distorts it in grotesque and dysfunctional ways. And also, while
Saturn is moving through Scorpio, it can stagnate and gum up the wheels of our
sexual instincts and desires.

Perhaps this
a time to refocus and recharge our sexual energy-- which, by the way, it isn’t solely
reserved for sex or an orgasm. Sexual energy is a current of personal power, creativity
and magnetic attraction. And like all energy, it can be wasted if it isn’t
employed wisely or strategically. We use it in our everyday interactions,
whether we’re conscious of it or not.

It’s a
magnetic force that attracts us to other people. It brings us together. It’s
the reason we’re drawn to a certain person without knowing why, even when that
certain person isn’t necessarily sexually attractive to us. And when we band
together with like souls, with a shared creative interest, goal or desire—magic
happens and amazing things result.

At the heart
of Scorpio is its relation to the osmosis of souls. In the realm of Scorpio we
become something more than we currently are; we fuse with an external symbol.
But that in itself is some risky business, because naturally, we risk losing
ourselves. There are times when this is completely appropriate, but in all
cases, it requires a strong sense of self and a hefty amount of discipline and
solid boundaries. Be mindful of this.

As usual, Mercury
retrograde warns us of making permanent commitments, and if we must, it is
highly suggested that we deeply reflect on the matter and look at it from a
multitude of perspectives. This retrograde cycle suggests the notion of
resurrecting critical elements from the past, building off of previous
foundations, and looking for missing or hidden essential pieces to the puzzle
we’re working on.

With the
eclipse, this is a potent retrograde cycle. Powerful emotional or psychological
breakthroughs are possible, especially for those of us with significant natal
placements in the sign of Scorpio. Deep inner personal insights are floating
around like CO2, so don’t resist the inner work these two events are pulling up
for us. Embrace it and shine your light into those places you usually avoid
like the plague.

Oh The Horrors….

Yes, Scorpio
is a “dark” sign. It gets a bad rap for that. But that’s just because Scorpio
and its 8th house associate deal with some of the most sensitive and
taboo of subject matter. Ultimately, our repulsive reaction to Scorpio has more
to do with cultural conditioning than anything else. Sex, death, collective power,
early childhood trauma, inner psychological terrain and so forth; they’re all
elements our society suppresses or significantly distorts.

There’s a
multitude of distractions to keep us from thinking about it all. The more time
we spend on the surface, the more productive we are and the more we contribute
to the current industrialized civilization. “Keep calm and carry on”…right?

Well this
certainly isn’t a time for ignoring what lies in the deep. Willingly and
consciously make your way down that rabbit hole. It beckons. Scorpionic
material is generally uncomfortable to the ego. It points us toward that one
undeniable truth: eventually, you’re going to die. You are impermanent. It’s
unsettling indeed; nobody really wants to think about it. Even the most dark
and macabre of souls, when it gets right down to it, will have some resistance
to their own death. It’s natural.

In a society
that glorifies youth and outer achievement--the inner world, the sensitive
zones of life experience, goes on quite neglected. As a result, it takes on
more ominous forms within cultural expression. At certain moments, when we
least expect it, something explodes, there’s a collective catharsis. The
external world is merely a reflection of the inner world. What happens out
there is inside of us, a part of us; it is
us.

That means
that in order to heal, grow, and evolve toward our collective potential, we
must embrace the horrors. We need to look them straight in the eye and process
their realities and truths as we see them for what they truly are. This
retrograde cycle and Scorpionic/Saturnian solar eclipse also urge us to step up
and take responsibility for the horrors of the world. Instead of running away,
or pointing the figure at everything except yourself, really step into it and
see your part in creating it.

It is you
and you are it. The segregation is an illusion. With that said, we may
encounter some material that makes us uncomfortable, perhaps a little
squirmish. But if it shows up in your awareness; there’s a reason for it, and
it’s important that you look at it. It will help you mature and grow.

The Mind Hath No Substance

We all agree
that Mercury is a symbol of the mind, the vehicle of ego consciousness. It’s
the hardware that runs the software of the personal self. The mind is a network
of pathways within the body, not particularly the brain. It is the intelligence
within the nervous system. Without Mercury, and without a mind, we would have
little success navigating the “real world”. But too much attachment to the
mind, and we end up missing a whole heck of a lot.

The mind
doesn’t like paradox. In fact, its sole purpose is the reconciliation of
dichotomy. That’s how we make sense of the world. Mercury seeks to assimilate
disparate pieces to make an intelligible pattern or formation. Without Mercury,
what would we see? Without a mind, what would the world look like? Well, there
are a few chemical substances that could quickly answer those questions, but
there are also a few cosmic events which can momentarily provide us a glimpse
beyond the veil.

The truth is
that the universe around us is utter chaos. Order, symmetry and structure are
created by conscious beings. What we see around us was created by focused
awareness and attention.

Does that mean that you’re “creating reality”? Well,
not exactly. You aren’t that omnipotent. But yes, you’re definitely directing
the scenes and arranging the scenery around you. Every choice you make alters
what you experience in every moment. You’re thoughts play a crucial role in
what comes into your life.

Your level
of awareness and your beliefs about life severely affect what unfolds. The
mind, in reality, has no substance. It’s a software program, and so is our
identity. It can be readily deleted. But behind the software, there’s a ghost
in the machine. We refer to this as the soul. Whatever you call it, we all know
deep down that there’s something else inside of us, something behind the façade
of the personal self.

That
something else is what you really are. No matter what, it cannot be destroyed.
Perhaps then, the soul is the only real thing that exists at all. And
ironically, it is the most mysterious and intangible of concepts humanity has
ever entertained. When you die, something lives on. That something isn’t
necessarily who you think you are. It’s only your essence and your awareness.

My point
here is to illustrate this image for you because it will play a critical role
in this upcoming passage. Understanding it will allow you to benefit most
deeply from the insights it offers. When
Mercury turns retrograde, the mind reconfigures itself. During eclipses, we
enter a mild psychedelic state of awareness; we see the mechanizations of
consciousness more clearly than usual, and we step outside the illusion of the
personal self.

Pay more
attention to yourself and to the people around you. This is a time to more
authentically peer beyond the masks we wear in our daily interactions. It is within
this altered state that we can actually make structural changes to the ego. We
can let go of what no longer works, and we can release our attachment and
enmeshment more than at any other time. Take advantage of this, because once
eclipse season passes, it all comes rushing back in, as we attempt to further
tighten that illusionary barrier.

Side effects may include:

Mercury
retrograde is notorious for all sorts of technical mishaps, setbacks and
annoyances--although, that’s not always the case. Mercury is a trickster. The
trickster has the ability to work between realms, densities and realities. The
trickster’s intention is to break down structures so that new forms can emerge.
It’s a noble mission indeed. Reality would become rather sterile and banal if
it weren’t for the trickster’s deeds.

When Mercury
retrograde strikes, it initially appears as an inconvenience. But its lesson is
always the same. Stop, pause, reflect and slow down. Notice the wind, look at
the trees, and see the geometry in your lover’s eyes. What do you see now? How
does it appear differently than it did before? What can you create from it? How
can you do things differently? Take a few steps back, and really take a good
hard look.

Mercury
retrograde is not conducive for active forward movement; it’s a time for
reflection and for making adjustments where needed. Usually, the more we push
the more resistance we encounter. We may make adjustments to things that are solely
tangible and mechanical, or we may adjust the way we see the world around us.
Always, with each retrograde, we’re offered an alternate perspective, and it
would be wise to consider it deeply.

Often, a
specific outlook needs to change. We attract people or situations which seek to
bring our attention to this need. Let go of the old and make way for the new—it
will make you a more complete being. Take stock, double check, and reiterate
everything you communicate. This is a time to be clear and direct in your
dealings, because all sorts of blind spots and loose ends frequently emerge.

If you’ve
been delaying or putting aside something, a Mercury retrograde cycle often
serves as an opportunity to deal with it—sort of like a second chance. Often
this comes together without much planning or foresight, it seems to be a natural
consequence of Mercury retrograde. People and situations from the past may come
back into your reality, to surprise or haunt you.

So don’t
panic, worry or freak out. Even though this happens to be a pretty significant
and heavy cycle—considering the involvement of Saturn and a Solar Eclipse—it
could serve as a rather productive and insightful period of time.

But, also
keep in mind the fact that we’re entering into a sensitive and deeply personal process.
There may be some very significant insights and revelations about your own
nature—a perspective about yourself that you didn’t see before. This can only
come about by paying very close attention and observing yourself from an
objective perspective.

Naturally,
those of us who would rather stay on the surface and maintain the status quo are likely to have a far
more difficult time with this. Uncomfortable truths are never digested easily.
But, if you’re aware and well prepared for some challenging, yet deeply rewarding
work, it won’t be such a shock when it arrives.

9 comments:

It's usually not an ideal time for initiating new things, signing important contracts or launching big projects. However, it does not mean that a job won't work out. Just be prepared for possible delays and misunderstandings. Be very clear in your communication, and make sure that everything is understood--that may mean asking more questions and reiterating what you've been told for the sake of clarity.

With Mercury retrograde we're usually brought back to the past in some way. We often backtrack and rediscover things. Things that we have delayed or put on hold often begin to push forward. Think everything through more thoroughly than usual.

My my you are really good! Few explanations go the distance. Chad, I have one question. Every time Mercury goes into retro, and this has been my entire life; this is when I sign the best contacts, things run particularly smooth, and things like meetings and mail do not go ary, while my friends are pulling their hair out. I always feel the draw to pull the curtains and unplug the phone, but Is there any reason why my life would go particularly well in Mercury Retro? I was born in Portland Oregon Aug 26, '54 @ 11:23am. I give you this info in case I'm an anomaly you may want to check out if there is no obvious answer. Or not. Thanks and happy retro!

That's interesting, David. I've heard that from a few people before. I don't really know how to explain it using modern astrology. Logically, I would assume that perhaps you were born during a Mercury retrograde, but that isn't the case, nor is it consistent with other people. I didn't notice anything anomalous in your chart involving Mercury. Besides its close proximity to the Sun, it is traditionally quite strong and happy in Virgo, a ruling sign. Maybe that gives it immunity ;)

It truly is the oddest thing. This retrograde is no different in that, I'm getting the insights and then application seems to be automatic. It's a strange and welcome event always. Thanks so much for checking my chart. It looks like you may be close to Sandiego. Where exactly are you and do you do in person readings?

About The Blogger

Chad Woodward is a writer, astrologer, and bodyworker/holistic healer currently living in southern California. He has been writing astrological articles on his blog, Kosmic Mind, since 2009. Chad has also written for Planet Waves.net and Astrology.Answers.com. He is a Steven Forrest trained astrologer working within the paradigm of evolutionary astrology.